Bidirectional synchronizing camera, camera system including the same and method of operating the camera

ABSTRACT

In one example embodiment, a camera system includes a plurality of cameras, a camera controller configured to control the plurality of cameras, a control signal line configured to facilitate an exchange of at least one control signal between the camera controller and the plurality of cameras and a synchronization signal line commonly connected to the plurality of cameras, and configured to transmit at least one transmission synchronization signal for synchronizing at least two cameras among the plurality of cameras.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.10-2015-0134898, filed on Sep. 23, 2015, in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

Example embodiments of the inventive concepts relate to a camera system,and more particularly, to a bidirectional synchronizing camera, a camerasystem including the same, and/or a method of operating the camerasystem.

With advancement in digital camera technology, a technology or servicefor simultaneously using at least two cameras has been developed.

In order to simultaneously operate at least two cameras, the at leasttwo cameras should be synchronized with each other. To this end, amethod of precisely controlling at least two cameras to synchronize themwith each other, performed by one camera control device, has beenintroduced. Also, a method of preparing separate signal lines forone-to-one synchronization between at least two cameras andsynchronizing the at least two cameras with each other by using theseparate signal lines has been introduced.

According to the former method, an algorithm or circuit forsynchronizing the at least two cameras with each other should beinstalled in the camera control device. According to the latter method,a connection between the at least two cameras becomes complex as thenumber of cameras increases, and a reference camera among two camerasshould be set beforehand.

SUMMARY

In one example embodiment, a camera system includes a plurality ofcameras, a camera controller configured to control the plurality ofcameras, a control signal line configured to facilitate an exchange ofat least one control signal between the camera controller and theplurality of cameras and a synchronization signal line commonlyconnected to the plurality of cameras, and configured to transmit atleast one transmission synchronization signal for synchronizing at leasttwo cameras among the plurality of cameras.

In yet another example embodiment, each of the plurality of camerasincludes a transmitter electrically connected to the synchronizationsignal line and configured to transmit a corresponding transmissionsynchronization signal to the synchronization signal line. Each of theplurality of cameras further includes a receiver electrically connectedto the synchronization signal line, and configured to receive one ormore transmission synchronization signals transmitted by other ones ofthe plurality of cameras from the synchronization signal line. Each ofthe plurality of cameras further includes a timing controller configuredto receive the corresponding transmission synchronization signal and thereceived one or more transmission synchronization signals, detect atiming difference between the transmission synchronization signal andthe received one or more transmission synchronization signals, andcontrol a timing of the corresponding transmission synchronizationsignal according to the timing difference.

In yet another example embodiment, the timing controller is configuredto detect a time period during which the corresponding transmissionsynchronization signal and at least one of the received one or moretransmission synchronization signals have different levels, and one ofadvance or delay a point of time when the corresponding transmissionsynchronization signal is to be enabled, by the detected time period.

In yet another example embodiment, the timing controller is configuredto detect a timing difference between one edge of the correspondingtransmission synchronization signal and one edge of at least one of thereceived one or more transmission synchronization signals, and one ofadvance or delay a point of time when the corresponding transmissionsynchronization signal is to be enabled, by the detected timingdifference.

In yet another example embodiment, the timing controller is configuredto determine a count value by counting rising edges or falling edges ofan internal clock signal for a time period from the one edge of thecorresponding transmission synchronization signal to the one edge of theat least one of the received one or more transmission synchronizationsignals, and detect the timing difference based on the determined countvalue.

In yet another example embodiment, the synchronization signal line isselectively electrically connected to a ground voltage source via apull-down resistor, and has a ground voltage at an initial stage.

In yet another example embodiment, the synchronization signal line isselectively electrically connected to a supply voltage source via apull-up resistor, and has a supply voltage at an initial stage.

In yet another example embodiment, the plurality of cameras includes afirst camera and a second camera, the first camera is configured tooutput a first transmission synchronization signal to thesynchronization signal line, the second camera is configured to output asecond transmission synchronization signal to the synchronization signalline, the second transmission synchronization signal is enabled laterthan the first transmission synchronization signal, and the first camerais configured to detect a timing difference between the secondtransmission synchronization signal received from the synchronizationsignal line and the first transmission synchronization signal, and delaya point of time when the first transmission synchronization signal is tobe enabled according to the timing difference.

In yet another example embodiment, the plurality of cameras furtherincludes a third camera, the third camera is configured to output athird transmission synchronization signal to the synchronization signalline, the third transmission synchronization signal is enabled earlierthan the first transmission synchronization signal, and the third camerais configured to detect a timing difference between at least one of thefirst and second transmission synchronization signals received from thesynchronization signal line and the third transmission synchronizationsignal, and delay a point of time when the third transmissionsynchronization signal is to be enabled according to the timingdifference.

In yet another example embodiment, the plurality of cameras includes afirst camera and a second camera, the first camera is configured tooutput a first transmission synchronization signal to thesynchronization signal line, the second camera is configured to output asecond transmission synchronization signal to the synchronization signalline, the second transmission synchronization signal is enabled laterthan the first transmission synchronization signal, and the secondcamera is configured to detect a timing difference between the firsttransmission synchronization signal received from the synchronizationsignal line and the second transmission synchronization signal, andadvance a point of time when the second transmission synchronizationsignal is to be enabled according to the timing difference.

In yet another example embodiment, the plurality of cameras furtherincludes a third camera, the third camera is configured to output athird transmission synchronization signal to the synchronization signalline, the third transmission synchronization signal is enabled laterthan the second transmission synchronization signal, and the thirdcamera is configured to detect a timing difference between at least oneof the first and second transmission synchronization signals receivedfrom the synchronization signal line and the third transmissionsynchronization signal, and advance a point of time when the thirdtransmission synchronization signal is to be enabled according to thetiming difference.

In one example embodiment, a first camera is connected to at least asecond camera via a synchronization signal line, the camera includes atransmitter electrically connected to the synchronization signal lineand configured to transmit a first transmission synchronization signalto the synchronization signal line and a receiver electrically connectedto the synchronization signal line and configured to receive at least asecond transmission synchronization signal from the second camera viathe synchronization signal line. The first camera further includes atiming controller configured to receive the first transmissionsynchronization signal and the second transmission synchronizationsignal, detect a timing difference between the first transmissionsynchronization signal and the second transmission synchronizationsignal, and control a timing of the first transmission synchronizationsignal according to the timing difference.

In yet another example embodiment, the first camera further includes animage sensor configured to sense an image of an object captured by alens and transmit image data of the sensed image to a camera controlleraccording to the first transmission synchronization signal, undercontrol of the camera controller.

In yet another example embodiment, the timing controller is configuredto detect a timing difference between one edge of the first transmissionsynchronization signal and one edge of the second transmissionsynchronization signal, and one of advance or delay a point of time whenthe first transmission synchronization signal is to be enabled accordingto the detected timing difference.

In yet another example embodiment, the first camera is commonlyconnected to the second camera and a third camera via thesynchronization signal line, and is configured to detect which one ofthe second camera and the third camera is enabled at a later point oftime than the other one of the second camera and the third camera basedon the second transmission synchronization signal, and delay a point oftime when the first transmission synchronization signal is to be enabledto be synchronized with the later point of time.

In yet another example embodiment, the first camera is commonlyconnected to the second camera and a third camera via thesynchronization signal line, and is configured to detect which one ofthe second camera and the third camera is enabled at an earlier point oftime than the other one of the second camera and the third camera basedon the second transmission synchronization signal, and advance a pointof time when the first transmission synchronization signal is to beenabled to be synchronized with the earlier point of time.

In yet another example embodiment, the timing controller is configuredto determine a count value by counting rising edges or falling edges ofan internal clock signal for a time period from one edge of the firsttransmission synchronization signal to one edge of the secondtransmission synchronization signal.

In yet another example embodiment, the timing controller is configuredto control a timing of the first transmission synchronization signalwhen the count value is equal to or greater than a minimum value and isless than or equal to a maximum value.

In one example embodiment, a method of operating a camera systemincluding a plurality of cameras connected commonly to a synchronizationsignal line, includes running an application using the plurality ofcameras, driving the plurality of cameras, generating a plurality oftransmission synchronization signals and outputting the plurality oftransmission synchronization signals to the synchronization signal line,each of the plurality of transmission synchronization signalscorresponding to one of the plurality of cameras, and comparing one ofthe plurality of transmission synchronization signals with other one ofthe plurality of transmission synchronization signals, and controlling atiming of the one of the plurality of transmission synchronizationsignals based on a result of the comparing.

In yet another example embodiment, the method further includestransmitting image data to the application processor based on thetransmission synchronization signal, receiving at least two pieces ofsynchronized image data from the plurality of cameras, and processingthe at least two pieces of synchronized image data.

In yet another example embodiment, the plurality of cameras includes afirst camera and a second camera, the generating of the plurality oftransmission synchronization signals and outputting of the plurality oftransmission synchronization signals to the synchronization signal lineincludes outputting a first transmission synchronization signal to thesynchronization signal line, and outputting a second transmissionsynchronization signal to the synchronization signal line. The secondtransmission synchronization signal is enabled later than the firsttransmission synchronization signal, and the controlling of the timingof the transmission synchronization signal includes detecting a timingdifference between the first transmission synchronization signal and thesecond transmission synchronization signal, and delaying a point of timewhen the first transmission synchronization signal is to be enabledaccording to the timing difference.

In yet another example embodiment, the plurality of cameras furtherincludes a third camera, and the generating of the plurality oftransmission synchronization signals and outputting of the plurality oftransmission synchronization signals to the synchronization signal linefurther includes outputting a third transmission synchronization signalto the synchronization signal line. The third transmissionsynchronization signal is enabled earlier than the first transmissionsynchronization signal, and the controlling of the timing of thetransmission synchronization signal further includes detecting a timingdifference between the third transmission synchronization signal and thefirst and second transmission synchronization signals and delaying apoint of time when the third transmission synchronization signal is tobe enabled according to the timing difference.

In yet another example embodiment, the plurality of cameras includes afirst camera and a second camera, the generating of the plurality oftransmission synchronization signals and outputting of the plurality oftransmission synchronization signals to the synchronization signal lineincludes, outputting a first transmission synchronization signal to thesynchronization signal line, and outputting a second transmissionsynchronization signal to the synchronization signal line. The secondtransmission synchronization signal is enabled later than the firsttransmission synchronization signal, and the controlling of the timingof the plurality of transmission synchronization signals includesdetecting a timing difference between the first transmissionsynchronization signal and the second transmission synchronizationsignal, and advancing a point of time when the second transmissionsynchronization signal is to be enabled according to the timingdifference.

In yet another example embodiment, the plurality of cameras furtherincludes a third camera, the generating of the plurality of transmissionsynchronization signals and outputting of the plurality of transmissionsynchronization signals to the synchronization signal line furtherincludes outputting a third transmission synchronization signal to thesynchronization signal line, the third transmission synchronizationsignal being enabled later than the second transmission synchronizationsignal, and the controlling of the timing of the plurality oftransmission synchronization signals includes detecting a timingdifference between the third transmission synchronization signal and thefirst and second transmission synchronization signals, and advancing apoint of time when the third transmission synchronization signal is tobe enabled according to the timing difference.

In one example embodiment, a method of operating a first cameraconnected to a camera controller via a control signal line and connectedto at least a second camera via a synchronization signal line, includesgenerating a first transmission synchronization signal according to asynchronization enable signal supplied from the camera controller,outputting the first transmission synchronization signal to thesynchronization signal line, receiving a second transmissionsynchronization signal from the synchronization signal line, detecting atiming difference between a first rising edge or a first falling edge ofthe first transmission synchronization signal and a second rising edgeor a second falling edge of the second transmission synchronizationsignal and controlling a timing of the first transmissionsynchronization signal according to the detected timing difference.

In yet another example embodiment, the method further includesgenerating image data by sensing an image of an object captured by alens and transmitting the image data to the camera controller via a dataline by using the first transmission synchronization signal.

In one example embodiment, a device includes a plurality of cameras,each of the plurality of cameras being configured to generate a firsttransmission synchronization signal, receive at least one a secondtransmission synchronization signal from at least another one of theplurality of cameras, and adjust a timing of the first transmissionsynchronization signal based on a timing difference between the firsttransmission synchronization signal and the second transmissionsynchronization signal.

In yet another example embodiment, each of the plurality of cameras isconfigured to adjust the timing of the first transmissionsynchronization signal by one of delaying or advancing a point of timeat which the first transmission synchronization signal is to be enabled,based on whether the first transmission synchronization signal isenabled before or after the second transmission synchronization signal.

In yet another example embodiment, each of the plurality of cameras isconfigured to determine the timing difference based on a count valuecorresponding to rising or falling edges of an internal clock signalfrom one edge of the first transmission synchronization signal to oneedge of the second transmission synchronization signal.

In yet another example embodiment, each of the plurality of cameras isconfigured to receive the second transmission synchronization signalfrom a transmission synchronization line connecting the plurality ofcameras.

In yet another example embodiment, each of the plurality of camerasincludes an image sensor configured to sense an image of an object andtransmit image data of the sensed image to a processor according to theadjusted timing of the first transmission synchronization signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the inventive concepts will be more clearlyunderstood from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a camera system, according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a camera system, according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a camera illustrated in FIG. 1and/or FIG. 2, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a camera system,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a schematic signal timing diagram of the camera system ofFIG. 4, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a schematic signal timing diagram of the camera system ofFIG. 4, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an operation of a camera system,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a schematic signal timing diagram of the camera system ofFIG. 6A, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an operation of a camera system,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a schematic signal timing diagram of the camera system ofFIG. 7A, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of operating a camera, according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a camera system, according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the exterior of the camera system ofFIG. 9, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method of operating a camera, according toan example embodiment; and

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a case in which a camera system isapplied to a vehicle, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The inventive concepts now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments areshown. Inventive concepts may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodimentsset forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so thatthis disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey thescope of the inventive concepts to those skilled in the art. In thedrawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may beexaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directlyconnected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyconnected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are nointervening elements present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includesany and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed itemsand may be abbreviated as “/”.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. For example, a first signal could be termed asecond signal, and, similarly, a second signal could be termed a firstsignal without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of theinventive concepts. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood thatthe terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or“including” when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/orthe present application, and will not be interpreted in an idealized oroverly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Hereinafter, the inventive concepts will be described in greater detailby explaining example embodiments thereof with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a camera system, according to anexample embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, a camera system 10A includes aplurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-n, and a camera control module 200configured to control the plurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-n. Here, ‘n’denotes an integer which is equal to or greater than ‘2’.

In one example embodiment, the camera system 10A further includescontrol signal lines 170-1 to 170-n configured to exchange a controlsignal between the camera control module 200 and the plurality ofcameras 100-1 to 100-n, and data lines 180-1 to 180-n configured toexchange data between the camera control module 200 and the plurality ofcameras 100-1 to 100-n.

In one example embodiment, the camera system 10A further includes asynchronization signal line 150A commonly connected to the plurality ofcameras 100-1 to 100-n. The synchronization signal line 150A transmits asynchronization signal for synchronizing operations of at least twocameras among the plurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-n with each other.

In one example embodiment, the control signal lines 170-1 to 170-n arerespectively provided for the plurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-n andthe data lines 180-1 to 180-n are also respectively provided for theplurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-n, but the synchronization signal line150A may be commonly connected to all of the plurality of cameras 100-1to 100-n.

The synchronization signal line 150A may be connected to a groundvoltage GND source via a pull-down resistor PDR. In this case, thesynchronization signal line 150A is initialized to a ground voltage GND.

The camera control module 200 may control operations of the plurality ofcameras 100-1 to 100-n, and receive image data from the plurality ofcameras 100-1 to 100-n and process the image data. In one exampleembodiment, the camera control module 200 may be embodied as amicro-controller unit (MCU), a processor, a system-on-chip including atleast one processor, etc. but is not limited thereto. When the cameracontrol module 200 is a processor, the processor may have an associatedmemory (not shown) in which computer-readable instructions are stored.The execution of the computer-readable instructions by the processor,transforms the processor into a special purpose processor for carryingout the functionalities of the camera control module 200, as isdescribed herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a camera system, according to anexample embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, a camera system 10B includes aplurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-n, a camera control module 200,control signal lines 170-1 to 170-n, data lines 180-1 to 180-n, and asynchronization signal line 150B, similar to the camera system 10A ofFIG. 1.

In one example embodiment, the camera system 10B of FIG. 2 hassubstantially the same structure and operation as the camera system 10Aof FIG. 1 and will be thus described focusing on the differences fromthe camera system 10A of FIG. 1 to avoid a redundant description.

In the example embodiment of FIG. 2, the synchronization signal line150B may be connected to a supply voltage VDD source via a pull-upresistor (PUR). In this case, the synchronization signal line 150B isinitialized to a supply voltage VDD.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, different arrangements of the pluralityof cameras 100-1 to 100-n and different layouts of the synchronizationsignal lines 150A and 150B are variable. For example, each of thesynchronization signal lines 150A and 150B may be formed on one printedcircuit board (PCB) but inventive concepts are not limited thereto.

In one example embodiment, each of the camera systems 10A and 10B mayfurther include other elements, such as a memory, a display device, atemperature sensor, etc.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a camera illustrated in FIG. 1and/or FIG. 2, according to an example embodiment. Although FIG. 3illustrates the camera 100-1 as a representative example among theplurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-n illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, theother cameras 100-2 to 100-n may have the same structure as the camera100-1 illustrated in FIG. 3.

The camera 100-1 may include an image sensor 110, a control circuit 120,a lens 130, and an actuator 140.

The image sensor 110 may be operated to generate image information underthe control of the camera control module 200.

The image sensor 110 may transmit sensed image data IDAT obtained bysensing an image of an object 21 captured by the lens 130 to the cameracontrol module 200, under control of the camera control module 200. Thecamera control module 200 may process the image data IDAT sensed by theimage sensor 110, and store a result of processing the image data IDATin a memory (not shown) or output it to a display device (not shown).

The control circuit 120 may control the image sensor 110 and theactuator 140 according to a control signal CCON received from the cameracontrol module 200. For example, the control circuit 120 may adjust theposition of the lens 130 by controlling the actuator 140 according to alocation control signal among examples of the control signal CCONreceived from the camera control module 200. In one example embodiment,the control circuit 120 is a processor. The processor may have anassociated memory (not shown) in which computer-readable instructionsare stored. The execution of the computer-readable instructions by theprocessor, transforms the processor into a special purpose processor forcarrying out the functionalities of the control circuit 120, as isdescribed herein.

Examples of the control signal CCON may include a synchronization enablesignal. The synchronization enable signal may be a signal forcontrolling the camera 100-1 to be operated in synchronization with atleast another camera (e.g., the camera 100-2).

The control circuit 120 may generate and output a transmissionsynchronization signal TS. The image sensor 110 may transmit the imagedata IDAT to the camera control module 200 according to the transmissionsynchronization signal TS.

In one example embodiment, the lens 130 includes a lens for bringing thecamera 100-1 into a focus. In one example embodiment, the lens 130 mayfurther include a lens for collecting light, a lens for dispersinglight, or the like.

The actuator 140 may adjust the position of the lens 130. For example,the actuator 140 may focus the lens 130 of the camera 100-1 by adjustingthe position of the lens 130.

In FIG. 3, the synchronization signal line 150 may be substantially thesame as the synchronization signal line 150A connected to the groundvoltage GND source as illustrated in FIG. 1 or as the synchronizationsignal line 150B connected to the supply voltage VDD source asillustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a camera system,according to an example embodiment. FIG. 5A is a schematic signal timingdiagram of the camera system of FIG. 4, according to an exampleembodiment. FIG. 5B is a schematic signal timing diagram of the camerasystem of FIG. 4, according to an example embodiment.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 5B, only the first and second cameras100-1 and 100-2 commonly connected to the synchronization signal line150A are illustrated for convenience of explanation, but other camerasmay be further commonly connected to the synchronization signal line150A.

In one example embodiment, a first control circuit 120-1 of the firstcamera 100-1 includes a first transmitter 121-1, a first receiver 123-1,a first synchronization signal generator 125-1, and a first timingcontroller 127-1.

The first transmitter 121-1 is electrically connected to thesynchronization signal line 150A, and transmits a first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 to the synchronization signal line 150A.

The first receiver 123-1 is electrically connected to thesynchronization signal line 150A, and receives a first synchronizationsignal RS1 from the synchronization signal line 150A. In one exampleembodiment, the first synchronization signal RS1 is a transmissionsynchronization signal generated by the second control circuit 120-2(denoted as TS2), which is transmitted by the second control circuit120-2 to the synchronization signal line 150A and subsequently receivedby the receiver 123-1. In one example embodiment, the firstsynchronization signal RS1 may also be referred to as the first receivedsynchronization signal RS1.

While in example embodiments described herein RS1 is the TS2 transmittedby the second control circuit 120-2, in one example embodiment, if TS2is transmitted in a different format or over a different communicationchannel such that without performing a transformation or signalprocessing on TS2, the first control circuit 120-1 cannotobtain/retrieve TS2 as RS1, the first control circuit 120-1 may generateRS1 from TS2 by performing the appropriate underlying signalprocessing/transformation.

That is, the first transmitter 121-1 and the first receiver 123-1 arecommonly connected to one synchronization signal line 150A. Thesynchronization signal line 150A may be connected to a ground voltageGND source via a pull-down resistor (PDR).

The first timing controller 127-1 receives the first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 and the first received synchronization signalRS1, and detects a timing difference between the first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 and the first received synchronization signalRS1. The first timing controller 127-1 may output a first timing controlsignal TCON1 for controlling a timing of the first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 according to the detected timing difference.

For example, the first timing controller 127-1 may detect a time periodduring which the first transmission synchronization signal TS1 and thefirst received synchronization signal RS1 have different levels, andoutput the first timing control signal TCON1 for advancing or delaying apoint of time when the first transmission synchronization signal TS1 isto be output by the detected time period.

For example, the first timing controller 127-1 may detect a time periodbetween a rising edge of the first transmission synchronization signalTS1 and a rising edge of the first received synchronization signal RS1or a time period between a falling edge of the first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 and a falling edge of the first receivedsynchronization signal RS1.

In one example embodiment, the first timing controller 127-1 may detectthe timing difference by calculating a count value through countingrising edges or falling edges of an internal clock signal (not shown)for a time period from a rising edge of the first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 to a rising edge of the first receivedsynchronization signal RS1.

In one example embodiment, the first synchronization signal generator125-1 generates and outputs the first transmission synchronizationsignal TS1. The point of time when the first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 is to be output may be controlled accordingto the first timing control signal TCON1.

In one example embodiment, a second control circuit 120-2 of the secondcamera 100-2 has substantially the same structure as the first controlcircuit 120-1. The second control circuit 120-2 includes a secondtransmitter 121-2, a second receiver 123-2, a second synchronizationsignal generator 125-2, and a second timing controller 127-2.

In one example embodiment, the second transmitter 121-2 is electricallyconnected to the synchronization signal line 150A, and transmits asecond transmission synchronization signal TS2 to the synchronizationsignal line 150A.

In one example embodiment, the second receiver 123-2 is electricallyconnected to the synchronization signal line 150A, and receives a secondsynchronization signal RS2 from the synchronization signal line 150A. Inone example embodiment, the RS2 is the TS1 generated by the firstcontrol circuit 120-1 and transmitted to the circuit control circuit120-2 via the synchronization signal line 150A.

While in example embodiments described herein RS2 is the TS1 transmittedby the first control circuit 120-1, in one example embodiment, if TS1 istransmitted in a different format or over a different communicationchannel such that without performing a transformation or signalprocessing on TS1, the second control circuit 120-2 cannotobtain/retrieve TS1 as RS2, the second control circuit 120-2 maygenerate RS2 from TS1 by performing the appropriate underlying signalprocessing/transformation. The same may apply to RS3, which is describedbelow.

In one example embodiment, the second timing controller 127-2 receivesthe second transmission synchronization signal TS2 and a second receivedsynchronization signal RS2, and detects a timing difference between thesecond transmission synchronization signal TS2 and the second receivedsynchronization signal RS2. The second timing controller 127-2 mayoutput a second timing control signal TCON2 for controlling a timing ofthe second transmission synchronization signal TS2 according to thedetected timing difference. An operation and function of the secondtiming controller 127-2 may be the same as those of the first timingcontroller 127-1.

In one example embodiment, the second synchronization signal generator125-2 generates and outputs the second transmission synchronizationsignal TS2. A point of time when the second transmission synchronizationsignal TS2 is to be output may be controlled according to the secondtiming control signal TCON2.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the synchronization signal line 150A iselectrically connected to the ground voltage GND source and thus has aground voltage GND at an initial stage, e.g., before a point of time t1.

In one example embodiment, if the first control circuit 120-1 firstenables the first transmission synchronization signal TS1 to a logichigh level at the first point of time t1 in a state in which thesynchronization signal line 150A has the ground voltage GND, i.e., alogic low level, the first synchronization signal line 150A goes logichigh according to the first transmission synchronization signal TS1.Thus, the first and second received synchronization signals RS1 and RS2output from the first receiver 123-1 and the second receiver 123-2,respectively, also go logic high. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, for convenience ofexplanation, signal delays in the first and second transmitters 121-1and 121-2, the first and second receivers 123-1 and 123-2, and thesynchronization signal line 150A are not taken into account.

Furthermore, in FIG. 5A the second control circuit 120-2 enables thesecond transmission synchronization signal TS2 to a logic high level ata second point of time t2. If it is assumed that enable periods (e.g.,logic high periods) of the first transmission synchronization signal TS1and the second transmission synchronization signal TS2 are the same, thefirst control circuit 120-1 may disable the first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 to a logic low level at a third point of timet3 and the second control circuit 120-2 may disable the secondtransmission synchronization signal TS2 to a logic low level at a fourthpoint of time t4.

Accordingly, the first and second received synchronization signals RS1and RS2 go logic low at the fourth point of time t4 according to thesecond transmission synchronization signal TS2 which is disabled to thelogic low level at a relatively late point of time.

In one example embodiment, the first timing controller 127-1 may detecta timing difference TFO1 between a falling edge of the firsttransmission synchronization signal TS1 and a falling edge of the firstreceived synchronization signal RS1, and output the first timing controlsignal TCON1 for delaying a point of time when the first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 is to be enabled by the timing differenceTFO1. Thus, the first synchronization signal generator 125-1 may outputthe first transmission synchronization signal TS1 having the same timingas the second transmission synchronization signal TS2 by delaying asubsequent point of time when the first transmission synchronizationsignal TS1 is to be enabled to a sixth point of time t6 rather than afifth point of time t5.

A timing difference between a falling edge of the second transmissionsynchronization signal TS2 and a falling edge of the second receivedsynchronization signal RS2, which is detected by the second timingcontroller 127-2, may be ‘0’ or a value approximating ‘0’. Thus, thetiming of the second transmission synchronization signal TS2 is notcontrolled.

In one example embodiment, the first and second timing controllers 127-1and 127-2 may respectively control the timings of the first and secondtransmission synchronization signals TS1 and TS2 corresponding theretowhen the detected timing difference is in a desired (and/oralternatively, predetermined) range, i.e., when the detected timingdifference is equal to or greater than a desired (and/or alternatively,predetermined) minimum value and is less than or equal to a desired(and/or alternatively, predetermined) maximum value.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the first timing controller 127-1 may detect atiming difference between a rising edge of the first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 and a rising edge of the first receivedsynchronization signal RS1, and the second timing controller 127-2 maydetect a timing difference TRO1 between a rising edge of the secondtransmission synchronization signal TS2 and a rising edge of the secondreceived synchronization signal RS2.

The timing difference between the rising edge of the first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 and the rising edge of the first receivedsynchronization signal RS1, which is detected by the first timingcontroller 127-1, may be ‘0’ or a value approximating ‘0’. Thus, thetiming of the first transmission synchronization signal TS1 is notcontrolled.

In one example embodiment, the second timing controller 127-2 may outputthe second timing control signal TCON2 for advancing the secondtransmission synchronization signal TS2 by the timing difference TRO1according to the timing difference TRO1 between the rising edge of thesecond transmission synchronization signal TS2 and the rising edge ofthe second received synchronization signal RS2. Thus, the secondsynchronization signal generator 125-2 may output the secondtransmission synchronization signal TS2 having the same timing as thefirst transmission synchronization signal TS1 by advancing a subsequentpoint of time when the second transmission synchronization signal TS2 isto be enabled to the fifth point of time t5 rather than the sixth pointof time t6.

As described above, each of the first control circuit 120-1 of the firstcamera 100-1 and the second control circuit 120-2 of the second camera100-2 may synchronize the timing of a transmission synchronizationsignal thereof with that of a transmission synchronization signal of theother camera by detecting a timing difference between the transmissionsynchronization signal and a received synchronization signal thereof(i.e., signals appearing in a synchronization signal line) and advancingor delaying the transmission synchronization signal thereof. Thus,operations of at least two cameras may be synchronized with each other.

According to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts, any one ofthe cameras commonly connected to the synchronization signal line 150Amay be used as a reference camera. For example, a transmissionsynchronization signal of a camera that starts to operate at arelatively earliest point of time may be delayed with respect to, as areference camera, a camera starting to operate at a relatively latestpoint of time (e.g., a camera enabling a transmission synchronizationsignal at a latest point of time), thereby synchronizing operationaltimings of all of cameras with one another.

In one example embodiment, a transmission synchronization signal of acamera that starts to operate at a relatively latest point of time maybe advanced with respect to, as a reference camera, a camera starting tooperate at a relatively earliest point of time (e.g., a camera enablinga transmission synchronization signal at an earliest point of time),thereby synchronizing operational timings of all of cameras with oneanother.

As described above, according to an example embodiment of the inventiveconcepts, operations of remaining cameras may be automaticallysynchronized with one camera as a reference camera. Thus, a plurality ofcameras may be synchronized with one another without any intervention ofthe camera control module 200 or with a minimum intervention of thecamera control module 200 (e.g., by supplying a synchronization enablesignal using the camera control module 200).

Also, as described above, a plurality of cameras are connected to onesynchronization signal line. Thus, even if the number of the pluralityof cameras is large, a connection between the plurality of cameras isnot complex. Also, the plurality of cameras may be synchronized with acamera starting to operate at a relatively earliest point of time or ata relatively latest point of time among the plurality of cameras. Thus,one of the plurality of cameras need not be set beforehand as areference camera.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an operation of a camera system,according to an example embodiment. FIG. 6B is a schematic signal timingdiagram of the camera system of FIG. 6A, according to an exampleembodiment.

In the example embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B, it is assumed forconvenience of explanation that first to fourth cameras 100-1 to 100-4are connected to a synchronization signal line 150A but only the firstto third cameras 100-1 to 100-3 are in an operational state and thefourth camera 100-4 is in a non-operational state.

In one example embodiment, a structure and operation of each of thefirst to fourth control circuits 120-1 to 120-4 is substantially thesame as those of the first control circuit 120-1 described above withreference to FIG. 4 and are thus not described here to avoid a redundantdescription.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the synchronization signal line 150A iselectrically connected to a ground voltage GND source via a pull-downresistor (PDR) and thus has a ground voltage GND (i.e., a logic lowlevel) at an initial stage (e.g., before a point of time 0).

In one example embodiment, if a third control circuit 120-3 firstenables a third transmission synchronization signal TS3 to a logic highlevel at the first point of time t1 in a state in which thesynchronization signal line 150A has the ground voltage GND (i.e., thelogic low level), the synchronization signal line 150A goes logic highaccording to the third transmission synchronization signal TS3. Thus,first to third received synchronization signals RS1, RS2, and RS3 outputfrom first to third receivers 123-1 to 123-3 also go logic high. InFIGS. 6A and 6B, signal delays in first to third transmitters 121-1,121-2, and 121-3, the first to third receivers 123-1, 123-2, 123-3, andthe synchronization signal line 150A are not taken into account forconvenience of explanation.

In one example embodiment, a first control circuit 120-1 enables a firsttransmission synchronization signal TS1 to a logic high level at asecond point of time t2, and a second control circuit 120-2 enables asecond transmission synchronization signal TS2 to a logic high level ata third point of time t3. If it is assumed that enable periods (e.g.,logic high periods) of first to third transmission synchronizationsignal TS1 to TS3 are the same, the third transmission synchronizationsignal TS3, the first transmission synchronization signal TS1, and thesecond transmission synchronization signal TS2 are respectively disabledat fourth, fifth and sixth points of time t4, t5, and t6.

The first to third received synchronization signals RS1 to RS3 go logiclow at the sixth point of time t6 according to the second transmissionsynchronization signal TS2 disabled to a logic low level at a latestpoint of time.

A first timing controller 127-1 may detect a timing difference TFO3between a falling edge of a first transmission synchronization signalTS1 and a falling edge of the first received synchronization signal RS1,and output a first timing control signal TCON1 for delaying a point oftime when the first transmission synchronization signal TS1 is to beenabled by the timing difference TFO3. Thus, a first synchronizationsignal generator 125-1 may output the first transmission synchronizationsignal TS1 having the same timing as a second transmissionsynchronization signal TS2 by delaying a subsequent point of time whenthe first transmission synchronization signal TS1 is to be enabled bythe timing difference TFO3.

In one example embodiment, a timing difference between a falling edge ofthe second transmission synchronization signal TS2 and a falling edge ofthe second received synchronization signal RS2, which is detected by asecond timing controller 127-2, may be ‘0’ or a value approximating ‘0’.Thus, the timing of the second transmission synchronization signal TS2is not controlled.

A third timing controller 127-3 may detect a timing difference TFO4between a falling edge of a third transmission synchronization signalTS3 and a falling edge of the third received synchronization signal RS3,and output a third timing control signal TCON3 for delaying a point oftime when the third transmission synchronization signal TS3 is to beenabled by the detected timing difference TFO4. Thus, a thirdsynchronization signal generator 125-3 may output the third transmissionsynchronization signal TS3 having the same timing as the secondtransmission synchronization signal TS2 by delaying a subsequent pointof time when the third transmission synchronization signal TS3 is to beenabled by the detected timing difference TFO4.

In the example embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B, operational timings ofall of cameras are synchronized with one another by delaying atransmission synchronization signal of a camera starting to operate at arelatively earliest point of time with respect to, as a referencecamera, a camera starting to operate at a relatively latest point oftime (e.g., a camera enabling a transmission synchronization signal at alatest point of time).

However, as described above, operational timings of all of cameras maybe synchronized with one another by advancing a transmissionsynchronization signal of a camera starting to operate at a relativelylatest point of time with respect to, as a reference camera, a camerastarting to operate at a relatively earliest point of time (e.g., acamera enabling a transmission synchronization signal at a relativelyearliest point of time).

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an operation of a camera system,according to an example embodiment. FIG. 7B is a schematic signal timingdiagram of the camera system of FIG. 7A, according to an exampleembodiment.

In one example embodiment, the camera system of FIG. 7A hassubstantially the same structure and operation as the camera system ofFIG. 6A and will be thus described focusing on the differences from thecamera system of FIG. 6A to avoid a redundant description.

In one example embodiment, the synchronization signal line 150A isconnected to the ground voltage GND source and initialized to the groundvoltage GND in the camera system of FIG. 6A, whereas a synchronizationsignal line 150B is connected to a supply voltage VDD source via apull-up resistor (PUR) and initialized to a supply voltage VDD in thecamera system of FIG. 7A.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the synchronization signal line 150B iselectrically connected to the supply voltage VDD source via the pull-upresistor (PUR) and may thus have a logic high level at an initial stage(e.g., before a point of time 0).

In one example embodiment, if a third control circuit 120-3 firstenables a third transmission synchronization signal TS3 to a logic lowlevel at the first point of time t1 in a state in which thesynchronization signal line 150B has the supply voltage VDD (i.e., thelogic high level), the synchronization signal line 150B goes logic lowaccording to the third transmission synchronization signal TS3. Thus,first to third received synchronization signals RS1, RS2, and RS3 outputfrom first to third receivers 123-1 to 123-3 also go logic low.

In one example embodiment, a first control circuit 120-1 enables a firsttransmission synchronization signal TS1 to a logic low level at a secondpoint of time t2, and a second control circuit 120-2 enables a secondtransmission synchronization signal TS2 to a logic low level at a thirdpoint of time t3. If it is assumed that enable periods (e.g., logic lowperiods) of the first to third transmission synchronization signal TS1to TS3 are the same, the third transmission synchronization signal TS3,the first transmission synchronization signal TS1, and the secondtransmission synchronization signal TS2 are respectively disabled to alogic high level at fourth, fifth and sixth points of time t4, t5, andt6.

The first to third received synchronization signals RS1 to RS3 go logichigh at the sixth point of time t6 according to the second transmissionsynchronization signal TS2 disabled to the logic high level at a latestpoint of time.

In one example embodiment, a first timing controller 127-1 may detect atiming difference TRO3 between a rising edge of the first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 and a rising edge of the first receivedsynchronization signal RS1, and output a first timing control signalTCON1 for delaying a point of time when the first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 is to be enabled by the detected timingdifference TRO3. Thus, the first synchronization signal generator 125-1may output the first transmission synchronization signal TS1 having thesame timing as the second transmission synchronization signal TS2 bydelaying a subsequent point of time when the first transmissionsynchronization signal TS1 is to be enabled by the detected timingdifference TRO3.

In one example embodiment, a timing difference between a rising edge ofthe second transmission synchronization signal TS2 and a rising edge ofthe second received synchronization signal RS2, which is detected by asecond timing controller 127-2, may be ‘0’ or a value approximating ‘0’.Thus, the timing of the second transmission synchronization signal TS2is not controlled.

The third timing controller 127-3 may detect a timing difference TRO4between a rising edge of the third transmission synchronization signalTS3 and a rising edge of the third received synchronization signal RS3,and output a third timing control signal TCON3 for delaying a point oftime when the third transmission synchronization signal TS3 is to beenabled by the timing difference TRO4. Thus, the third synchronizationsignal generator 125-3 may output the third transmission synchronizationsignal TS3 having the same timing as the second transmissionsynchronization signal TS2 by delaying a subsequent point of time whenthe third transmission synchronization signal TS3 is to be enabled bythe timing difference TRO4.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of operating a camera, according to anexample embodiment. The method of FIG. 8 may be performed by one of theplurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-n of the camera system 10A of FIG. 1or the camera system 10B of FIG. 2. For description purposes, FIG. 8will be described with reference to camera 100-1.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 8, at operation S110, the camera 100-1receives a synchronization enable signal from a micro-controller unit(MCU). In one example embodiment, the MCU corresponds to the cameracontrol module 200 of FIG. 1 or 2.

In one example embodiment, the MCU may supply the synchronization enablesignal to a corresponding camera when operations of at least two camerasneed to be synchronized with each other.

Alternatively, when the MCU drives at least two cameras, asynchronization enable signal may be enabled in each of the at leastcameras. At operation S120, the camera 100-1 may generate a transmissionsynchronization signal thereof and output it to a synchronization signalline in response to the synchronization enable signal received from theMCU.

In one example embodiment, the camera 100-1 may generate a transmissionsynchronization signal thereof and output it to the synchronizationsignal line regardless of the synchronization enable signal receivedfrom the MCU. For example, when the camera 100-1 is driven to start anoperation thereof, the transmission synchronization signal may begenerated.

Furthermore, at operation S130, the camera 100-1 may receive atransmission synchronization signal, generated by another camera (e.g.,camera 100-2) from the synchronization signal line, and compare thereceived transmission synchronization signal with the transmissionsynchronization signal. Thereafter and at operation S140, the camera100-1 detects a timing difference between one edge (e.g., a falling edgeor a rising edge) of the received transmission synchronization signaland one edge (e.g., a falling edge or a rising edge) of the transmissionsynchronization signal.

At operation S150, the camera 100-1 controls a timing of thetransmission synchronization signal according to the detected timingdifference.

At operation S160, the camera 100-1 transmits image data to the MCUbased on the controlled transmission synchronization signal. The imagedata may be a still image signal or a moving picture signal captured byan image sensor of the camera 100-1. The camera may transmit the imagedata in units of frames to the MCU according to the transmissionsynchronization signal.

In one example embodiment, the operations of the method may be performedin an order different from that described above, and at least twooperations among the operations may be performed in parallel.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a camera system, according to an exampleembodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the exteriorof the camera system of FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the camera system 10C may be embodied asany one of, but not limited to, a mobile terminal (e.g., a smart phone),a tablet personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), anenterprise digital assistant (EDA), a mobile Internet device (MID), ane-book, or the like.

The camera system 10C may include an application processor (AP) 200A, aplurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-n, a display device 270, and a memory280.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the plurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-n mayinclude first and second cameras 100-1 and 100-2 located on a frontsurface part 10D of the camera system 10C, and third and fourth cameras100-3 and 100-4 located on a rear surface part 10E of the camera system10C.

The first and second cameras 100-1 and 100-2 on the front surface part10D may be used to recognize a user's face or obtain a stereo image of abackground or an object located in front of the camera system 10C.

The third and fourth cameras 100-3 and 100-4 on the rear surface part10E may be used to obtain a stereo image of a background or an objectlocated in the rear of the camera system 10C or to obtain a high dynamicrange image by differently setting conditions (e.g., exposure times,focuses, etc.) of the third and fourth cameras 100-3 and 100-4.

Thus, the camera system 10C may select and operate at least two camerasamong the plurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-n according to anapplication program driven in the camera system 10C or a menu selectedby the user. Also, the camera system 10C may request operations of atleast two cameras selected among the plurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-nto be synchronized with each other. In this case, each of the selectedat least two cameras may control a timing of a transmissionsynchronization signal thereof based on a timing difference between thetransmission synchronization signal and a received synchronizationsignal thereof as described above, thereby synchronizing timings of thetransmission synchronization signals of the selected two or more cameraswith each other.

Each of the plurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-n may transmit image datato the AP 200A according to a timing-controlled transmissionsynchronization signal thereof, so that the AP 200A may receive andprocess synchronized image data.

The AP 200A may include a central processing unit (CPU) 210, a read-onlymemory (ROM) 220, a random access memory (RAM) 230, a plurality ofcameras interfaces 240-1 to 240-n, a display interface 250, and a memoryinterface 260.

The AP 200A may be embodied as a system-on-chip (SoC). The AP 200Acorresponds to the camera control module 200 of FIG. 1 or 2. Theelements 210, 220, 230, 240-1 to 240-n, 250, and 260 of the AP 200A mayexchange data with one another via a bus 205.

The CPU 210 may control overall operations of the AP 200A. For example,the CPU 210 may process or execute programs and/or data stored in theROM 220 and/or the RAM 230.

In one example embodiment, the CPU 210 may be embodied as one computingcomponent including at least two independent processors (or cores),i.e., as a multi-core processor.

The ROM 220 may store programs (e.g., computer-readable instructions)and/or data which are continuously used. In one example embodiment, theROM 220 may be embodied as an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), anelectrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or the like.

The RAM 230 may temporarily store programs, data, and/or instructions.In one example embodiment, the RAM 230 may be embodied as a dynamic RAM(DRAM) or a static RAM (SRAM).

The RAM 230 may temporarily store data input or output via theinterfaces 240-1 to 240-n, 250, and 260 or data generated by the CPU210.

The plurality of camera interfaces 240-1 to 240-n may respectivelycontrol the plurality of cameras 100-1 to 100-n.

The display interface 250 may interface data (e.g., image data) outputto the display device 270 outside the AP 200A.

The display device 270 may output an image or data regarding the imagevia a display such as a liquid-crystal display (LCD), an active matrixorganic light emitting diode (AMOLED), etc.

The memory interface 260 may interface data input from or data output tothe memory 280 outside the AP 200A.

In one example embodiment, the memory 280 may be embodied as anon-volatile memory, e.g., a flash memory, a resistive memory, etc.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method of operating a camera, according toan example embodiment. The method of FIG. 11 may be performed by thecamera system 10C of FIG. 9 but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 11, at operation S210, the CPU 210 runs anapplication using a plurality of cameras, e.g., at least two cameras, inthe camera system 10C.

Then at operation S220, the AP 200A (via the CPU 210) drives a pluralityof cameras.

At operation S230, the AP 200A (via the CPU 210) may supply asynchronization enable signal to a corresponding camera to synchronizeoperations of the plurality of cameras with one another. In one exampleembodiment, the operation S230 may be skipped. For example, when theplurality of cameras are driven, a series of operations, e.g.,operations S240 to S260, which will be described below, may be performedto synchronize the plurality of cameras with one another withoutsupplying a synchronization enable signal.

In one example embodiment, each of the plurality of cameras generates atransmission synchronization signal and outputs the same to asynchronization signal line commonly connected to the plurality ofcameras. Furthermore, each of the plurality of cameras receives one ormore transmission synchronization signal(s) transmitted by each of theplurality of cameras via the synchronization signal line. At operationS240, each of the plurality of cameras compares the receivedsynchronization signal(s) with its own corresponding transmissionsynchronization signal.

For example, each of the plurality of cameras detects a timingdifference between one edge (e.g., a falling edge or a rising edge) ofthe received synchronization signal(s) and one edge (e.g., a fallingedge or a rising edge) of its own corresponding transmissionsynchronization signal.

At operation S250, each of the plurality of cameras controls a timing ofthe transmission synchronization signal according to result of comparingthe received synchronization signal(s) with its own correspondingtransmission synchronization signal.

At operation S260, each of the plurality of cameras transmits image datato the AP 200A, based on the timing-controlled transmissionsynchronization signal. The image data may be a still image signal or amoving picture signal captured by an image sensor of the camera. In oneexample embodiment, each of the plurality of cameras may transmit theimage data in units of frames to the AP 200A according to thetransmission synchronization signal.

At operation S270, the AP 200A (via the CPU 210) receives at least twopieces of already synchronized image data from the plurality of cameras,and processes the at least two pieces of already synchronized imagedata. Thus, a process of receiving pieces of non-synchronized image datafrom the plurality of cameras and internally synchronizing the pieces ofnon-synchronized image data with each other, performed by the AP 200A,may be eliminated.

In one example embodiment, the operations of the method of FIG. 11 maybe performed in an order different from that described above and atleast two operations among the operations may be performed in parallel.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a case in which a camera system isapplied to a vehicle, according to one example embodiment. Referring toFIG. 12, the vehicle includes a camera system.

The camera system for use in the vehicle may include a plurality ofcameras {circle around (1)} to {circle around (6)}, and a main body (notshown) configured to control the plurality of cameras. The plurality ofcameras {circle around (1)} to {circle around (6)} may include, but arenot limited to, a headway sensing camera {circle around (1)} for sensinga lane and/or an obstacle in front of the vehicle, an interior sensingcamera {circle around (2)} for sensing the inside of the vehicle, anight-vision camera {circle around (3)} for sensing an obstacle, etc. atnight, a side-view sensing camera {circle around (4)} for sensing a sideview of the vehicle, a side-back view sensing camera {circle around (5)}for sensing a blind spot of the vehicle, a rear-view sensing camera{circle around (6)} for sensing a rear view of the vehicle, etc.

The camera system for use in the vehicle may be embodied as a parkingassistance system, a car safety assistant system, an advanced driverassistant system (ADAS), or a vehicle operation record system, e.g., avehicle black box, etc.

The camera system according to an example embodiment of the inventiveconcepts is applicable to not only the vehicle but also any type of asystem using a plurality of cameras (e.g., a safety system, aclosed-circuit television (CCTV) system, a drone (unmanned aerialvehicle) camera system, etc.).

According to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts, operationsof remaining cameras are automatically synchronized with one camera as areference camera. Thus, a plurality of cameras may be synchronized withone another without any intervention of a camera control module or witha minimum intervention of the camera control module.

According to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts, aplurality of cameras are connected to one synchronization signal line.Thus, even if the number of the plurality of cameras is large, aconnection between the plurality of cameras is not complex. Theplurality of cameras may be synchronized with a camera starting tooperate at an earliest point of time or at a latest point of time amongthe plurality of cameras. Accordingly, one of the plurality of camerasneed not be set beforehand as a reference camera.

While the inventive concepts have been particularly shown and describedwith reference to the example embodiments illustrated in the drawings,the example embodiments are non-limiting. It would be obvious to thoseof ordinary skill in the art that these example embodiments are to coverall modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within thescope of the inventive concepts. Accordingly, the technical scope of theinventive concepts should be defined based on the technical idea of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera system comprising: a plurality ofcameras; a camera controller configured to control the plurality ofcameras, the camera controller and the plurality of cameras areconfigured to exchange at least one control signal therebetween; and asynchronization signal line commonly connected to the plurality ofcameras, wherein the plurality of cameras each including a transmitter,a receiver, and a timing controller, the transmitter is configured totransmit a corresponding transmission synchronization signal over thesynchronization signal line, the receiver is configured to receive oneor more transmission synchronization signals transmitted by one or moreof the plurality of cameras over the synchronization signal line, andthe timing controller is configured to, detect a timing differencebetween a transmission synchronization signal generated in acorresponding camera so as to derive the corresponding transmissionsynchronization signal and the received one or more transmissionsynchronization signals, and control a timing of the transmissionsynchronization signal generated in the corresponding camera accordingto the timing difference.
 2. The camera system of claim 1, wherein thetiming controller is further configured to, detect a time period duringwhich the corresponding transmission synchronization signal and thereceived one or more transmission synchronization signals have differentlevels, and one of advance or delay a point of time by the time periodin response to the corresponding transmission synchronization signalbeing enabled.
 3. The camera system of claim 1, wherein the timingcontroller is further configured to, detect a timing difference betweenone edge of the corresponding transmission synchronization signal andone edge of at least one of the received one or more transmissionsynchronization signals, and one of advance or delay a point of time bythe timing difference in response to the corresponding transmissionsynchronization signal being enabled.
 4. The camera system of claim 1,wherein the plurality of cameras includes a first camera and a secondcamera, the first camera is configured to output a first transmissionsynchronization signal to the synchronization signal line, the secondcamera is configured to output a second transmission synchronizationsignal to the synchronization signal line, the second transmissionsynchronization signal is enabled later than the first transmissionsynchronization signal, and the first camera is configured to, detect afirst timing difference between the second transmission synchronizationsignal received over the synchronization signal line and the firsttransmission synchronization signal, and delay a point of time inresponse to the first transmission synchronization signal being enabledaccording to the first timing difference.
 5. The camera system of claim4, wherein the plurality of cameras further includes a third camera, thethird camera is configured to output a third transmissionsynchronization signal to the synchronization signal line, the thirdtransmission synchronization signal is enabled earlier than the firsttransmission synchronization signal, and the third camera is configuredto, detect a second timing difference between at least one of the firstand second transmission synchronization signals received from thesynchronization signal line and the third transmission synchronizationsignal, and delay a point of time in response to the third transmissionsynchronization signal being enabled according to the second timingdifference.
 6. The camera system of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofcameras includes a first camera and a second camera, the first camera isconfigured to output a first transmission synchronization signal to thesynchronization signal line, the second camera is configured to output asecond transmission synchronization signal to the synchronization signalline, the second transmission synchronization signal is enabled laterthan the first transmission synchronization signal, and the secondcamera is configured to, detect a first timing difference between thefirst transmission synchronization signal received from thesynchronization signal line and the second transmission synchronizationsignal, and advance a point of time in response to the secondtransmission synchronization signal being enabled according to the firsttiming difference.
 7. The camera system of claim 6, wherein theplurality of cameras further includes a third camera, the third camerais configured to output a third transmission synchronization signal tothe synchronization signal line, the third transmission synchronizationsignal is enabled later than the second transmission synchronizationsignal, and the third camera is configured to, detect a second timingdifference between at least one of the first and second transmissionsynchronization signals received from the synchronization signal lineand the third transmission synchronization signal, and advance a pointof time in response to the third transmission synchronization signalbeing enabled according to the second timing difference.
 8. A firstcamera connected to at least a second camera via a synchronizationsignal line, the first camera comprising: a transmitter electricallyconnected to the synchronization signal line and configured to transmita first transmission synchronization signal to the synchronizationsignal line; a receiver electrically connected to the synchronizationsignal line and configured to receive at least a second transmissionsynchronization signal from the second camera via the synchronizationsignal line; and a timing controller configured to, receive the firsttransmission synchronization signal and the second transmissionsynchronization signal, detect a timing difference between atransmission synchronization signal generated in the first camera so asto derive the first transmission synchronization signal and the secondtransmission synchronization signal, and control a timing of thetransmission synchronization signal generated in the first cameraaccording to the timing difference.
 9. The first camera of claim 8,further comprising: an image sensor configured to sense an image of anobject captured by a lens and transmit image data of the sensed image toa camera controller according to the first transmission synchronizationsignal, under control of the camera controller.
 10. The first camera ofclaim 8, wherein the timing controller is configured to, detect thetiming difference between one edge of the first transmissionsynchronization signal and one edge of the second transmissionsynchronization signal, and one of advance or delay a point of timeaccording to the timing difference in response to the first transmissionsynchronization signal being enabled.
 11. The first camera of claim 10,wherein the first camera is commonly connected to the second camera anda third camera via the synchronization signal line, and is configuredto, detect which one of the second camera and the third camera isenabled at a later point of time than the other one of the second cameraand the third camera based on the second transmission synchronizationsignal, and delay the point of time to be synchronized with the laterpoint of time in response to the first transmission synchronizationsignal being enabled.
 12. The first camera of claim 10, wherein thefirst camera is commonly connected to the second camera and a thirdcamera via the synchronization signal line, and is configured to, detectwhich one of the second camera and the third camera is enabled at anearlier point of time than the other one of the second camera and thethird camera based on the second transmission synchronization signal,and advance the point of time to be synchronized with the earlier pointof time in response to the first transmission synchronization signalbeing enabled.
 13. The first camera of claim 10, wherein the timingcontroller is configured to determine a count value by counting risingedges or falling edges of an internal clock signal for a time periodfrom one edge of the first transmission synchronization signal to oneedge of the second transmission synchronization signal.
 14. The firstcamera of claim 13, wherein the timing controller is configured tocontrol a timing of the first transmission synchronization signal inresponse to the count value being equal to or greater than a minimumvalue and being less than or equal to a maximum value.
 15. A devicecomprising: a plurality of cameras, each of the plurality of camerasbeing configured to, generate a first transmission synchronizationsignal, receive at least one a second transmission synchronizationsignal from at least another one of the plurality of cameras, and adjusta timing of the first transmission synchronization signal based on atiming difference between the first transmission synchronization signaland the second transmission synchronization signal.
 16. The device ofclaim 15, wherein each of the plurality of cameras is configured toadjust the timing of the first transmission synchronization signal byone of delaying or advancing a point of time at which the firsttransmission synchronization signal is to be enabled, based on whetherthe first transmission synchronization signal is enabled before or afterthe second transmission synchronization signal.
 17. The device of claim15, wherein each of the plurality of cameras is configured to determinethe timing difference based on a count value corresponding to rising orfalling edges of an internal clock signal from one edge of the firsttransmission synchronization signal to one edge of the secondtransmission synchronization signal.
 18. The device of claim 15, whereineach of the plurality of cameras is configured to receive the secondtransmission synchronization signal from a transmission synchronizationline connecting the plurality of cameras.
 19. The device of claim 15,wherein each of the plurality of cameras includes an image sensorconfigured to sense an image of an object and transmit image data of thesensed image to a processor according to the adjusted timing of thefirst transmission synchronization signal.
 20. The camera system ofclaim 1, wherein the synchronization signal line is connected to aground voltage or to a supply voltage for initialization.